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Juventus’s manager Massimiliano Allegri has expressed his thought on the Old Lady’s first encounter against Atletico de Madrid. Juventus lost 1-0 to Atletico de Madrid, in a game which was boring – as per neutral’s point of view. With Juventus entertaining the Spanish outfit at home, and stakes high, an enticing encounter could be on the cards.

“We lost in Madrid and in Athens and I don’t think we deserved to. We were chickens in Madrid, and in Athens we didn’t score. We’re at home tomorrow, though, and the fans will get behind us, plus we’re in good shape. We’re playing to snatch first place, they’re playing to defend it.” said Allegri.

If Juventus are to snatch the first place from Atletico Madrid, then they have to defeat the Spanish outfit by a goal difference of two goals. Although Juventus’s attacking contingent has lacked goals in Europe, it would be bolstered by the return of Carlos Tevez, who was rested and featured only 30 mins against Fiorentina.

“Winning by two goals will not be easy as they don’t give you many chances. It’s going to be very difficult and we can’t lose track of our objective, which is to go through but also to come first as that would allow us to face a runner-up in the draw.”

“It’s going to be a different game [to the reverse fixture]. We’re at home and have the fans behind us. Maybe we’ll win and it’s not enough to come first. It’s fundamental that Juve reach the last 16. We’ve got to try to win but they’ll be looking to defend top spot.”

Allegri, was also quick to praise Diego Simione, gaffer of Ateltico de Madrid. Allegri said, “[Diego] Simeone’s doing a great job and winning the league is not easy when you are up against Real Madrid and Barcelona. Reaching the Champions League final is also a great achievement. He does deserve to win the FIFA World Coach of the Year award, but so do Carlo Ancelotti and the Germany coach [Joachim Löw]. They all deserve it for what they’ve done.”

Although Juventus has suffered purple patches in the past at the European level, the Turin based club would look to draw inspiration from their nine match unbeaten streak at home at would look to grab all three points by force.